Word Origin & History

prospect early 15c., "act of looking into the distance," from L. prospectus "view, outlook," prop. pp. of prospicere "look out on, look forward," from pro- "forward" + specere "look at" (see scope (1)). Meaning "extensive view of the landscape" is from 1530s; transf. sense of "mental view or survey" is from 1620s. Sense of "person or thing considered promising" is from 1922. Verbal meaning "explore for gold" is first recorded 1841, from noun sense of "spot giving prospects of ore" (1839). Prospector in this sense is from 1857. Prospects "expectations" is from 1660s.

Example Sentences for prospects

Prospects, that I had meditated with ineffable delight, were for ever veiled in darkness.

“California: its Characteristics and Prospects,” cited, 200.

Prospects were bright, and hearts were light, just to drop into poetry.

"Prospects" do not just "happen" in the selling process of achieving success.

He had, he says, received fifteen letters on the Prospects of Culture.

Prospects were bright, and we sailed steadily northward, wondering what the morrow would bring—disappointment or hope?

Prospects were not cheering, and the salaries offered would about have kept me in cigarettes at Oxford.

Prospects that appear to have no gold at all in them sometimes turn out very brightly, sir.

Prospects looked good for the following season, as the fishermen expected the scallops to live until the next year.

The beginning of vine-planting is like the beginning of mining for the precious metals: the wine-grower also “Prospects.”